‘Wouldn’t be surprised’: Paul Merson predicts who will win as Everton take on Arsenal

Football pundit Paul Merson has predicted who will win as Everton welcome Arsenal to Goodison Park on Sunday.

The visitors have picked up 10 points out of a possible 12 so far this season, while the Blues have claimed a solitary point following the 2-2 draw with Sheffield United.

However, the Toffees have won their last two home fixtures against the Gunners, including the 1-0 win in Sean Dyche’s first game as Everton boss back in February.

Indeed, Merson states that Everton tend to ‘turn up’ for the big fixtures and while he says he ‘wouldn’t be surprised’ to see it end in a draw, the pundit predicts a win for his former side.

Writing in his weekly Sportkeeda column, Merson states: “Everton strangely turn up in these big games so I wouldn’t be surprised if this one ends all square. One day, they’re going to start putting all their chances away and that will be the day they click.

That said, Arsenal undoubtedly go into this game as overwhelming favorites and will be under pressure to get all three points if Manchester City win their game. This game is far from a foregone conclusion, but I fancy Arsenal to step up to the plate and pick up all three points.”

Everton have overcome Arsenal against the odds in the past and look stronger now with Beto

Sean Dyche hinted in his pre-match press conference that forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin could be in contention to feature having been sidelined since last month’s defeat at Aston Villa.

The return of the England international is a huge boost, especially with £26m signing Beto getting of to a strong start in his Everton career.

If Everton’s forwards are fed, they will cause Mikel Arteta’s side issues, and with last season’s top goalscorer Dwight McNeil making his return from injury at Bramall Lane a fortnight ago, there are some positive signs going into this game.